Global Survivors Fund

15 years ago today, a peaceful protest in Guinea turned into a massacre: 156 people were murdered, and over 158 girls and women were victims of rape and other sexual violence. This year, we witnessed a historic breakthrough. On 31 July 2024, eight individuals, including former president Moussa Dadis Camara, were convicted of crimes against humanity. This verdict is a powerful testament to the courage and relentless work of survivors, their legal teams, and the local organisations that never gave up. But justice doesn’t stop with convictions. We now call for: 1️⃣ Full and transparent implementation of the court's decision. 2️⃣ Reparations for all affected survivors. 3️⃣ A national law ensuring victims get the reparations they deserve.

This year again we took part in the high-level week at the United Nations General Assembly. Last year, we focused on financing reparations, but this year the conversation shifted towards the power of early childhood development. Our Executive Director, Esther Dingemans, joined the Act for Early Years panel to speak about the crucial role of early education. Children who have suffered, witnessed, or were born as a result of conflict-related sexual violence are too often overlooked and made invisible in discussions. Education as a form of reparation must be accessible to them as well. We are committed to addressing this not only through our projects but through continued advocacy to ensure no child is left behind. At GSF, education is central to our multi-year workplan. Earlier this month, we launched a project in Nigeria which focuses on education with a trauma-informed approach. This initiative ensures that children affected by conflict-related sexual violence - many of whom have never had the chance to go to school - are provided with an educational environment and curriculum tailored to their specific needs. Theirworld - Sarah Brown - Neem Foundation

Since May 2024, our urgent interim reparation project in Ukraine has been quick to deliver. Despite the ongoing conflict, partners and GSF, have successfully launched this vital initiative to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, providing financial compensation to meet their most pressing needs. Initially, the pilot aims to reach 500 survivors, though we know thousands are affected across the country, with cases dating back to 2014. So far, 200 survivors have already received compensation, with another 210 applications currently under review. By the end of November, all 500 participants are expected to have received their financial compensation. This groundbreaking project is a collaborative effort with the Ukrainian government, local organisations and survivors themselves, with the hope of scaling it up to reach many more survivors nationwide. For the first time since GSF was established, we are seeing a significant participation from men, highlighting two key facts: the vast majority of arbitrary detainees are men, and an estimated 60% have experienced conflict-related sexual violence. This increase in in the number of men coming forward also reflects the trust we have built within a deeply stigmatised group of survivors. Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation - Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères

What do an undamaged cloth, a ripped cloth, and a repaired cloth represent? 🤔   In her TEDx talk at the Graduate Institute, Esther Dingemans, our Executive Director, delves into the urgent need to address sexual violence and the critical importance of reparation for survivors. Drawing from her extensive experience and interactions with survivors, she highlights both the challenges and the transformative steps needed to aid in their healing and create meaningful change.   You can listen to the speech below 👇

We are looking for an Advocacy Coordinator to join an exciting team, to be based in the offices of our partner CIGPJ in Juba, South Sudan. This is a key role to ensure CRSV survivors' voices in transitional justice mechanisms in South Sudan. Please have a look at the Vacancy Announcement here below.

We’re #hiring! We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our team and: ✅ Conduct research on the nature, scope and impacts of conflict-related sexual violence, as well as on reparation for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence; ✅ Oversee survivor data management and analysis processes, including coordinating related tasks, in close collaboration with the Global Reparations Study Lead; ✅ Support GSF staff in the research and coordination of database practices and software requirements; Interested? All the details to apply in the PDF below 👇

We’re #hiring! We’re looking for a Data Scientist intern to join our team who will: ✅ Document data collection, analysis, and model development processes;  ✅ Evaluate and refine current models and reporting solutions; ✅ Support the implementation of the Information Management System and the establishment of the global victim registry with data and technical related support.  Interested? All the details to apply in the PDF below 👇

🎙️ "What is really important, particularly for survivors of sexual violence – which is often surrounded by so much shame and stigma – is that they are acknowledged, that harm has been done to them, and that it was not their fault." 🎙️   Our Executive Director, Esther Dingemans, recently explored the critical issue of conflict-related sexual violence on SWI swissinfo.ch's podcast and why there is an urgent need for reparative measures to support and honour survivors. Catch the episode here 👇

Back to school season is here! In Nigeria, this September marks the start of a new chapter for 31 girls who have been affected by the insurgency in the state of Borno. Thanks to the dedicated teachers and team from the Neem Foundation, they are just about to start their accelerated learning programme. Neem’s school is unique, as teachers are trained to provide a trauma-informed approach for students whose pasts have left scars.   The school's approach allows children to engage fully with their education, turning a difficult start in life into an opportunity for growth. Through accelerated learning programs, the students can catch up quickly and smoothly transition into the right school grade - since many of them are attending school for the very first time. Neem is also supporting another cohort of new students who will start their accelerated programme in November in preparation for enrollment in other schools across the state.   The work of Neem and GSF on this project highlights the importance of education as a form of reparation, as explained Minoe Duamwan, project coordinator for Neem: “These girls have endured the unimaginable as a result of conflict. Now their education will become both a refuge and a rebirth, where every lesson learned is a step away from their past and a stride toward reclaiming their future”. We wish them the best for the school year to come!

Ever heard of the Universal Periodic Review? 🤔 Earlier this week we organised, alongside Physicians for Human Rights, a side-event on the critical situation in Eastern Congo. Ahead of this November's UPR session on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, here are our four key recommendations in short: 🔷 We need more support for reparations. 🔷 A justice system that helps everyone heal. 🔷 Centres that provide all-in-one care for survivors. 🔷 Protection and care for children born of conflict-related sexual violence. Find out more 👇